Greg McWilliams praises Andy Farrell's open-door policy

Ireland women's coach Greg McWilliams says he hopes his team can feed off the example of the men's and U20 Grand Slam Winners, when they get their TikTok Six Nations campaign under way against Wales this Saturday (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

McWilliams named his side for Saturday's game at Cardiff Arms Park this afternoon, with uncapped prop Sadhbh McGrath named to start at loosehead, after the 18-year-old impressed for the Combined Provinces in the recent Celtic Challenge.

Irish rugby has been on a high in recent weeks, with the men's and U20 sides storming to Grand Slam titles in their own Six Nations campaign, although there will be more humble expectations from the women's side in the second year under their new coaching ticket.

With England and France expected to fight it out for the title, the head coach admitted that three wins or a third place finish would be a realistic target for Ireland, a result which would secure them a place in the top tier of the new WXV competition later this year.

Ireland will also be without the likes of Beibhinn Parsons, Stacey Flood, Eve Higgins and Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe for the duration of the championship, who will concentrate on their Sevens commitments.

"Let's talk about the elephant in the room, we don't have Sevens players," McWilliams said, when asked about his expectations for the championship.

However, the coach is remaining optimistic about the long-term prospects of his squad.

"But I can get a true reflection of where we stand, moving into next year. Wherever we finish in the Six Nations, it's where we deserve to be, and if it's not good enough, it starts with me, I'll own it."

With all of the Irish squads training at the IRFU's high performance centre in Abbotstown, it's given